BENGALURU: Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) achieved significant recognitions at the prestigious 2025 Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Conference and Awards held recently in Barcelona, Spain. With an impressive tally of 10 awards, BLR Airport’s lounges and restaurants have once again raised the bar for excellence in airport hospitality, not just in India, but globally. At the heart of this success were the 080 Lounges, which emerged as standout winners across seven categories, highlighting their commitment to curated luxury, regional authenticity, and innovative service.
The 080 Lounges at Terminal 2 were crowned “Best Lounge of the Year – Regional and Global”, along with “Airport F&B Offer of the Year – Sense of Place – Regional and Global”, in recognition of their immersive local culinary experience and thoughtfully designed spaces that reflect Karnataka’s cultural vibrancy. Qila, the signature restaurant within the 080 Domestic Lounge at T2, was awarded “Best Restaurant Design – Regional” for its striking architecture and ambiance. Meanwhile, the 080 Domestic Lounge at Terminal 1 clinched “Airport Lounge Opening of the Year – Regional and Global”, reinforcing its growing popularity among travellers.
The 080 Lounges at BLR Airport celebrate India’s rich heritage, from Kashmir’s palatial gardens and Rajasthan’s regal spa-inspired interiors to the lush forests of the Great Nicobar and the tea culture of the Northeast. Travellers can enjoy a thoughtfully curated blend of regional cuisine, art, and design that together showcase the country’s vibrant cultural tapestry.
Further honours included The Irish House at T2, which won “Airport Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year – Regional,” while CTR added to the accolades with dual wins in the “Airport F&B Offer of the Year – Sense of Place – Regional and Global” categories.
Kenneth Guldbjerg, Chief Commercial Officer at Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL), expressed his delight at the global recognition, and said, “We are truly honoured and thrilled to have received these accolades. These wins reflect the dedication, creativity, and passion our teams and partners bring to the table every day. It’s a proud moment not just for BLR Airport, but for India. We will continue striving to create spaces that celebrate Karnataka’s rich heritage while offering world-class experiences to every traveller who passes through our airport.”
Gaurav Dewan, Chief Operating Officer, Travel Food Services (TFS), which operates The Irish House and 080 lounge at Terminal 1, said, “These wins are a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and enhancing the travel experience at every touchpoint. Through a focus on authentic flavours, thoughtful design, and seamless service, we have created spaces that aim to exceed the expectations of today’s discerning travellers. The recognition at the FAB Awards 2025 for our 080 Lounges and dining concepts at Bangalore Airport reaffirms our dedication to delivering exceptional experiences that resonate with travellers around the world.”
The FAB Awards, the only global platform dedicated to airport F&B, lounges, and hospitality, celebrate innovation, cultural storytelling, and excellence in passenger experience. This year’s edition honoured standout contributions that elevate global travel standards.
Pavan PG. CEO, CTR VTP Hospitality Pvt Ltd said, “This award is a proud moment—not just for us, but for every Bengalurean who grew up with the iconic flavours of CTR. We’ve brought a cherished piece of the city’s culinary heritage to the airport, transforming it into a destination in itself.”
As a key gateway to South India, BLR Airport continues to deliver memorable journeys through thoughtful design, regional flavours, and warm hospitality, seamlessly blending convenience, sustainability, and a strong sense of place.
About BIAL:
Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport), operated by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), closed FY 2024–25 with strong performance across key metrics. The airport became the first in South India to serve over 41.88 million passengers, earning a place in the ACI Large Airport category, and processed 502,480 metric tonnes of cargo. As South India’s busiest airport and the third largest in the country, BLR reached a significant milestone in February 2025, surpassing 350 million cumulative passengers since its opening. In terms of Cargo, BLR Airport continues to be the No. 1 Airport for processing perishable cargo in India for the fourth consecutive year. BIAL’s growth is powered by Fairfax India Holdings Corporation, its majority private promoter. Through significant investment, Fairfax plays a key role in accelerating the airport’s development and transformation.
